Gregg Popovich may remain home another game

DALLAS — Mike Budenholzer, the Spurs’ acting head coach for a second consecutive game, said head coach Gregg Popovich’s decision to sit out the past two games after coming down with an illness was made out of concern for the health of his players as well as his own.

Budenholzer also hinted that the two-time Coach of the Year might not return to the bench for tonight’s game against the Suns.

“We just know he got hit pretty hard by this and he’s very cautious about exposing the team to it,” Budenholzer said. “He’ll make a decision for what’s best for both him and the team. But he’s not well, still feeling pretty weak.

“I spoke to him (Friday) morning and he’s feeling he made the right decision. We want to keep the players healthy and make sure he’s healthy, too. It’s kind of a double whammy thing. We had one little bout of illness earlier this season but, for the most part, we’ve been pretty lucky considering what’s going on around the world and around the country.”

Tony Parker and Stephen Jackson missed games in November after becoming ill.

Oh, what a relief: Since the NBA began requiring coaches to submit to short interviews with TV sideline reporters between quarters of games televised nationally, Popovich has gained notoriety for answers that are routinely curt and dismissive.

ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters, who worked Friday’s game at American Airlines Center, made it clear she would not miss having to drag an answer from Popovich when she approached Budenholzer at the team’s morning shootaround.

“I am so glad to meet you,” Salter said, giving Budenholzer a hug.

“I know,” Budenholzer replied. “It’s amazing how much relief I see on your face. I’m happy to be out there, too.”

Endorsing Parker: Rick Carlisle of the Mavericks revealed he was one of the coaches who helped put Parker, the Spurs point guard, on the Western Conference All-Star team.

“From a public perspective he probably is (underrated),” Carlisle said. “I voted for him and I’m not ashamed to say that. And I probably voted for him higher than people think.

“We play those guys a lot and I’ve had to deal with him for a long time, so I have great respect for him. Globally and throughout the league he’s overlooked.”